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Schuylkill River will make its first ever visit to the DI quarterfinals
after upsetting Norfolk and PAC to take the MARC Rugby conference.

Due to club playoff restructuring by USA Rugby, this was the first year
that the MARC held an intra-conference playoff. After having lost narrowly
to Mystic and Old Blue in the recent seasons, Schuylkill River finally
broke through to the national stage.

Schuylkill River defeated Norfolk on Saturday thanks to a last second try
in the corner and a successful conversion from former U19 Eagle Owen
Jones. The following day the 4th seeded exiles eliminated PAC from
the playoffs.

Coming into the game the 8-6 Exiles had a very up-and-down season.
The team performed very well at home going undefeated and earning a bonus
point in each victory. The road, however, was a much different story
as they finished 1-6 and barely made it into the playoffs.

This is a team that has come a long way from its 1-8 season of four years
ago.

"All the key guys from that team have stuck around and we have added one or
two guys every year that has helped us develop into a solid team," forwards
captain Tom Weishaupt told Rugbymag.

The Exiles are led by a solid 9-10 combination of Pat Boyle and Owen
Jones. Jones's brother David solidifies the back line while tight
head prop Rick Kosa anchors the front five. Rounding out the pack at
Number 8 is the hard charging forward Randy Helsman.

The Exiles have been able to create a pipeline with nearby Kutztown
University having added five players in the recent years. Combined with the
core group of players that have remained over the years, the Exiles have
become a very strong side.

While much of the success can be attributed to fresh talent stocking the
team, Weishaupt praised head coach Bill Jalbert.

"It is rare in USA Rugby to have a coach stay for five or more years,” said
Weishaupt.

Jallbert has built the foundation for Schuylkill River rugby and is now
assisted by former Old Blue player Paul Abrams.

The Exiles are excited for their first trip to the Elite 8. They will take
on the consistent contender, Metropolis out of Minneapolis in Pittsburgh
next weekend.

"We are going into this in a very similar fashion we did to the MARC
playoffs. Nobody really expected us to win and we are probably the
team that everyone expects the least out of at nationals. Metropolis
is a great team but if we keep the ball in hand we have a chance to play
with anyone."

Schuylkill River is looking to become a mainstay in the DI group of elite
teams.

"Most people know us for our 7s play but our 15s teams has come a long
way. We hope to be considered with the likes of Old Blue, Metropolis
and Life going forward," added Weishaupt.

Schuylkill River has an opportunity to make an immediate impression when
they head to Pittsburgh on the 17th.